12,000 cops for 2,500 Ganesha idols in Chennai

Chennai: City police are gearing up for the Vinayaka Chaturthi on Monday and subsequent immersion slated for next Satur day and Sunday, with possible deployment of over 12,000 police personnel, according to senior police officers here.

Rough estimate by police indicates that around 2,500 to 2,700 large idols will be placed in street junctions in and around Chennai on Monday. Organisers on September 11 and 12 will immerse these idols. “We have told the organisers to limit the number of idols to that of last year. It was around 2,500 last year. So we expect the Hindu outfits to stick to that number with no new additions,” a senior police official said.

The Tamil Nadu pollution control board had already said that idols made of clay will be allowed for immersion. A campaign against the use of plaster of Paris to make Ganesha idols are also being carried out by some Hindu outfits thus pressing the need for being eco-friendly during the celebrations.

Senior officials from the city are meeting local members of various Hindu organisations like Hindu Munnani and Hindu Makkal Katchi to make sure they follow norms.

Idol committees were asked not to install loud speakers without permission.
“They were also told to keep the height of the idols to the suggested norm.  Only a specific number of people will be allowed carry the idols for immersion. They should have identity cards,” police had told the organisers.